Getty Images. Pictured: James Robinson, Marquise Brown
Sean Koerner — FantasyPros’ most-accurate draft ranker of 2019 — is breaking down his draft strategy for every position. The following story features updates to his 2021 Tiers, which are organized versions of his rankings so you can actually apply them clearly to your draft strategy.
Here are his updated tiers for the four primary positions as of Aug. 19, but you can also check real-time updates to his rankings through our 2021 Fantasy Draft Kit, which is part of our PRO subscription.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when people say there’s nothing to be learned from the NFL preseason.
Sure, we don’t need to overreact to preseason games that are overwhelmingly unimportant — but to flat out ignore what we see from players and teams right before the regular season begins would be a mistake.
That’s why I’ve updated my 2021 draft tiers to reflect recent news, preseason performances and more.
Reminder that you can read my detailed strategy for each position here — just be sure to combine those strategies with the latest rankings below for a full picture of how I’m drafting quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends.
2021 Fantasy Football Rankings
| Click On A Position To Skip Ahead |
|---|
| Quarterbacks |
| Running Backs |
| Wide Receivers |
| Tight Ends |
| Kickers |
| Defenses |
2021 Fantasy QB Ranking & Tiers
| Tier | Players |
| 1 | Patrick Mahomes (KC) Josh Allen (BUF) |
| 2 | Kyler Murray (ARI) Lamar Jackson (BAL) |
| 3 | Dak Prescott (DAL) Russell Wilson (SEA) |
| 4 | Tom Brady (TB) Aaron Rodgers (GB) Justin Herbert (LAC) Jalen Hurts (PHI) |
| 5 | Ryan Tannehill (TEN) Matthew Stafford (LAR) |
| 6 | Trevor Lawrence (JAX) Joe Burrow (CIN) Trey Lance (SF) Matt Ryan (ATL) Baker Mayfield (CLE) Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) Kirk Cousins (MIN) Justin Fields (CHI) |
| 7 | Daniel Jones (NYG) Derek Carr (LV) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) Carson Wentz (IND) Sam Darnold (CAR) Ryan Fitzpatrick (WAS) Zach Wilson (NYJ) |
| 8 | Jared Goff (DET) Deshaun Watson (HOU) |
| 9 | Jameis Winston (NO) Teddy Bridgewater (DEN) |
| QBBCs | Cam Newton (NE) Mac Jones (NE) Taysom Hill (NO) Tyrod Taylor (HOU) Drew Lock (DEN) Davis Mills (HOU) |
| Early-Season Value | Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) Jacob Eason (IND) or Sam Ehlinger (IND) Andy Dalton (CHI) |
| Long-Shot Backups | Taylor Heinicke (WAS) Joe Flacco (PHI) Jacoby Brissett (MIA) |
The Trey Lance Question
With the widest range of outcomes of any quarterback, when to draft Trey Lance depends on your league type and how much risk you are willing to take on.
In 1QB formats, he’s worth the QB1 upside to draft at ADP and stash on your bench. In 2QB/Superflex formats, he carries a ton of risk considering he could end up redshirting his entire rookie season if Jimmy G hangs on to the starting job and stays healthy.
Harry How/Getty Images. Pictured: 49ers quarterback Trey Lance.QB Risers
- Justin Fields: Head coach Matt Nagy is still committed to Andy Dalton as the Week 1 starter, but Fields looks NFL ready and will be starting games sooner than later.
- Tua Tagovailoa: I already had him slightly ahead of ADP, but he’s looked sharp in preseason, which me to believe he’s more likely to have a Year 2 leap.
- Carson Wentz: As he’s trending towards playing Week 1.
- Teddy Bridgewater: Named Week 1 starter.
- Jimmy Garoppolo: Sneaky late-round flier in 2QB/Superflex formats. He could start eight or more games this season if Lance isn’t ready yet.
QB Fallers
- Deshaun Watson: The lack of certainty with Week 1 so close makes me think there is a real chance he doesn’t suit up at all this season.
- Drew Lock: Teddy Bridgewater named Week 1 starter.
» Return to the table of contents «
2021 Fantasy RB Rankings & Tiers
| Tier | Players |
| 1 | Christian McCaffrey (CAR) |
| 2 | Dalvin Cook (MIN) |
| 3 | Derrick Henry (TEN) Alvin Kamara (NO) |
| 4 | Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) Aaron Jones (GB) Austin Ekeler (LAC) Nick Chubb (CLE) Jonathan Taylor (IND) |
| 5 | Saquon Barkley (NYG) Joe Mixon (CIN) Antonio Gibson (WAS) |
| 6 | Najee Harris (PIT) James Robinson (JAX) Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) Chris Carson (SEA) J.K. Dobbins (BAL) David Montgomery (CHI) D’Andre Swift (DET) |
| 7 | Josh Jacobs (LV) Darrell Henderson (LAR) Miles Sanders (PHI) |
| 8 | Kareem Hunt (CLE)* Mike Davis (ATL) Chase Edmonds (ARI) Myles Gaskin (MIA) |
| 9 | Damien Harris (NE) Javonte Williams (DEN) — L Melvin Gordon (DEN) — E Trey Sermon (SF) — L Leonard Fournette (TB) Kenyan Drake (LV) Raheem Mostert (SF) — E Zack Moss (BUF) Ronald Jones II (TB) Michael Carter (NYJ) — L James Conner (ARI) — E NOTE: E = early-season value; L = late-season value |
| 10 | Gus Edwards (BAL) Jamaal Williams (DET) Devin Singletary (BUF) |
| 11 | High-Upside Backups Tony Pollard (DAL) Alexander Mattison (MIN) Latavius Murray (NO) High-Floor Third-Down Backs Nyheim Hines (IND) J.D. McKissic (WAS) James White (NE) |
| 12 | High-Upside Backups/Handcuffs Tevin Coleman (NYJ) Phillip Lindsay (HOU) Rashaad Penny (SEA) Chuba Hubbard (CAR) Darrel Williams (KC) Sony Michel (LAR) Devontae Booker (NYG) Samaje Perine (CIN) Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) Malcolm Brown/Salvon Ahmed (MIA) Carlos Hyde (JAX) High-Floor Third-Down Backs Tarik Cohen (CHI) Giovani Bernard (TB) Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) |
| 13 | Adrian Peterson (FA) Le’Veon Bell (FA) Todd Gurley (FA) Duke Johnson (FA) High-Upside Backups or Third-String Backs Darrynton Evans (TEN) Jaret Patterson (WAS) Jeffery Wilson (SF) (IR) Justice Hill (BAL) Jerick McKinnon (KC) Larry Rountree (LAC) Kylin Hill (GB) Wayne Gallman (SF) Michael Boone (DEN) Khalil Herbert/Damien Williams (CHI) |
RB Risers
- James Robinson: I’ve moved him from Tier 9 to the top of Tier 6 as he gets a massive boost with first-round rookie Travis Etienne suffering a season-ending injury. We might not see the same RB1 upside we saw last year considering there was almost zero competition for touches — the Jags still have Carlos Hyde, who will inherit some of the touches Etienne leaves behind — but I’m still treating JRob as a high-end RB2.
- Damien Harris: I was already pretty high on Harris because I was anticipating the Pats to cut Sony Michel. And indeed, Harris gets a slight boost after they traded Michel away, but Harris’ upside is still capped due to his limitations as a pass catcher.
- J.K. Dobbins: The Ravens were expected to become more balanced this season, but with wide receivers Marquise Brown and Rashod Bateman now in doubt for Week 1, they’re more likely to remain an extremely run-heavy team — to the benefit of Dobbins.
- Malcolm Brown/Salvon Ahmed: The Dolphins could employ a “hot hand” approach this season, meaning either backup could get a spot start, even when all three backs are healthy.
- Carlos Hyde: He becomes the handcuff to James Robinson after Etienne injury.
- Sony Michel: He becomes Darrell Henderson’s backup. Michel was capable of handling more receiving work in college at Georgia. The Pats chose to limit him in the passing game, but the Rams may use him in that role a bit more. Either way, he has true workhorse upside in the event Henderson were to ever miss time.
RB Fallers
- D’Andre Swift: He’s easing his way back from a groin injury. He may miss Week 1 or start off slow.
- Darrell Henderson: I was already factoring in the threat of the Rams adding a veteran RB before Week 1, but Henderson’s value takes a bit of a hit with Michel emerging as that back. Henderson’s ADP shouldn’t fall past RB25.
- Tier 8 RBs: With Etienne out for season, there’s one less RB in the “frozen pond” tier, boosting the value of the remaining four backs. They still represent a big drop-off, so I’m actually OK drafting these backs if they’re your RB3/flex or first bench slot.
- Latavius Murray: He’s no longer a lock to be the No. 2 back with Tony Jones becoming a threat.
» Return to the table of contents «
2021 Fantasy WR Rankings & Tiers
| Tier | Players |
| 1 | Davante Adams (GB) Tyreek Hill (KC) |
| 2 | Stefon Diggs (BUF) Calvin Ridley (ATL) DeAndre Hopkins (ARI) D.K. Metcalf (SEA) |
| 3 | Justin Jefferson (MIN) |
| 4 | A.J. Brown (TEN) |
| 5 | Keenan Allen (LAC) Terry McLaurin (WAS) CeeDee Lamb (DAL) Allen Robinson (CHI) |
| 6 | Robert Woods (LAR) Mike Evans (TB) Amari Cooper (DAL) Tyler Lockett (SEA) Chris Godwin (TB) Julio Jones (TEN) Cooper Kupp (LAR) D.J. Moore (CAR) Adam Thielen (MIN) |
| 7 | Diontae Johnson (PIT) Tee Higgins (CIN) |
| 8 | Odell Beckham Jr. (CLE) Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) Brandon Aiyuk (SF) Chase Claypool (PIT) Robby Anderson (CAR) Jerry Jeudy (DEN) Juju Smith-Schuster (PIT) |
| 9 | Kenny Golladay (NYG) Tyler Boyd (CIN) Laviska Shenault (JAX) Deebo Samuel (SF) Brandin Cooks (HOU) Michael Thomas (NO) Devonta Smith (PHI) Courtland Sutton (DEN) D.J. Chark (JAX) Jarvis Landry (CLE) Michael Gallup (DAL) Mike Williams (LAC) Corey Davis (NYJ) Marquise Brown (BAL) |
| 10 | Jaylen Waddle (MIA) Will Fuller (MIA) Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) Marvin Jones (JAX) Antonio Brown (TB) Curtis Samuel (WAS) Darnell Mooney (CHI) Marquez Callaway (NO) DeVante Parker (MIA) Cole Beasley (BUF) Elijah Moore (NYJ) |
| 11 | Mecole Hardman (KC) Gabriel Davis (BUF) T.Y. Hilton (IND) Russell Gage (ATL) Rondale Moore (ARI) Terrace Marshall (CAR) |
| 12 | Jalen Reagor (PHI) Henry Ruggs (LV) Nelson Agholor (NE) Sterling Shepard (NYG) Bryan Edwards (LV) Jakobi Meyers (NE) Christian Kirk (ARI) Tre’Quan Smith (NO) Emmanuel Sanders (BUF) Marquez Valdes-Scantling (GB) |
| 13 | Tyrell Williams (DET) Breshad Perriman (DET) Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) Rashod Bateman (BAL) K.J. Hamler (DEN) Sammy Watkins (BAL) Nico Collins (HOU) Jamison Crowder (NYJ) Zach Pascal (IND) Byron Pringle (KC) A.J. Green (ARI) Parris Campbell (IND) Randall Cobb (GB) Josh Palmer (LAC) |
WR Risers
- Corey Davis: His stock continues to rise, mainly due to Zach Wilson looking pretty polished for a rookie. Davis should be Wilson’s top target.
- Marquez Callaway: He’s shot up a few Tiers as he looks to be the Saints’ No. 1 target to begin the season. He also benefits from Jameis Winston being named their Week 1 starter.
WR Fallers
- Ja’Marr Chase: He’s shown some rust after sitting out the 2020 (college) season and could get off to a slow start. He’s still an upside pick given he should only get better as the season goes on and potentially be a WR2/3 come fantasy playoff time.
- Marquise Brown: Drops a tier as his hamstring injury puts his Week 1 status into question. I typically do not like drafting WRs with hamstring issues entering the season, especially ones who rely on their speed.
» Return to the table of contents «
2021 Fantasy TE Rankings & Tiers
| Tier | Players |
| 1 | Travis Kelce (KC) |
| 2 | Darren Waller (LV) |
| 3 | George Kittle (SF) |
| 4 | Mark Andrews (BAL) T.J. Hockenson (DET) Kyle Pitts (ATL) |
| 5 | Noah Fant (DEN) Logan Thomas (WAS) Tyler Higbee (LAR) |
| 6 | Robert Tonyan Jr. (GB) Mike Gesicki (MIA) Irv Smith Jr. (MIN) |
| 7 | Dallas Goedert (PHI) Evan Engram (NYG) Jonnu Smith (NE) Hunter Henry (NE) |
| 8 | Rob Gronkowski (TB) Anthony Firkser (TEN) Gerald Everett (SEA) Jared Cook (LAC) Cole Kmet (CHI) Austin Hooper (CLE) |
| 9 | Zach Ertz (PHI) Adam Trautman (NO) Blake Jarwin (DAL) Hayden Hurst (ATL) Eric Ebron (PIT) |
| 10 | O.J. Howard (TB) Dawson Knox (BUF) C.J. Uzomah (CIN) |
TE Risers
- Pat Freiermuth: While Kyle Pitts has gotten all the attention among the 2021 TE class, it’s been “Baby Gronk” who is seeing his stock rise with stellar preseason play. He may be a year or two away from fantasy value, but he’s worth a flier in deeper TE-premium formats if he’s able to unseat Eric Ebron as a rookie.
- Juwan Johnson: The WR-converted-to-TE has been impressive in preseason and may have to be the Week 1 starter for the Saints considering Adam Trautman is expected to miss a few weeks. Johnson is worth a flier in deeper TE-premium formats.
TE Fallers
- Adam Trautman: He suffered a foot injury that is expected to keep him out 1-3 weeks. His value takes a hit, but if you were planning on having him as a bench stash to begin the season, he’s still worth targeting at ADP.
- Dallas Goedert: His stock continues to go down as Zach Ertz remains with the team. It’s looking like the Eagles will have a TE committee, which lowers the floor and ceiling for each TE.
- Eric Ebron: Rookie Pat Freiermuth was believed to be the potential Eric Ebron replacement in 2020, but given how impressive the rookie has looked, Ebron may end up getting leapfrogged by “Baby Gronk” in 2021.
» Return to the table of contents «
2021 Fantasy Kicker Rankings & Tiers
| Tier | Players |
|---|---|
| 1 | Harrison Butker (KC) Justin Tucker (BAL) Greg Zuerlein (DAL) Tyler Bass (BUF) |
| 2 | Jason Sanders (MIA) Matt Gay (LAR) Ryan Succop (TB) Younghoe Koo (ATL) Brandon McManus (DEN) Graham Gano (NYG) Nick Folk (NE) Jason Myers (SEA) Michael Badgley (LAC) Rodrigo Blankenship (IND) Chris Boswell (PIT) Matt Prater (ARI) Evan McPherson (CIN) |
| 3 | Daniel Carlson (LV) Robbie Gould (SF) Josh Lambo (JAX) Dustin Hopkins (WAS) Matt Ammendola (NYJ) Cairo Santos (CHI) Joey Slye (CAR) Cody Parkey (CLE) Mason Crosby (GB) Greg Joseph (MIN) Tucker McCann (TEN) Jake Elliott (PHI) Ka’imi Fairbairn (HOU) Randy Bullock (DET) |
| 4 | Wil Lutz (NO)* Aldrick Rosas (NO) |
*Lutz could miss close to the first half of the season
» Return to the table of contents «
2021 Fantasy Defense Rankings & Tiers
| Tier | Defenses |
|---|---|
| 1 | Washington Football Team Los Angeles Rams Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 2 | San Francisco 49ers Cleveland Browns Buffalo Bills New England Patriots Kansas City Chiefs Miami Dolphins Baltimore Ravens New Orleans Saints Indianapolis Colts Seattle Seahawks Denver Broncos |
| 3 | Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Los Angeles Chargers Arizona Cardinals Philadelphia Eagles Chicago Bears Tennessee Titans New York Jets New York Giants Dallas Cowboys |
| 4 | Jacksonville Jaguars Carolina Panthers Atlanta Falcons Las Vegas Raiders Cincinnati Bengals Detroit Lions Houston Texans |